Column shifter play

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Jul 23, 2012 | 05:36 PM

Brother F

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Joined: Jul 2012

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From: Connecticut

Column shifter play

Can any one tell me how to take the play out of the column shifter on a '54. It shifts just fine but it's just sloppy. I searched but didn't see anything for this vintage truck. I have the service manual but they don't address that. Thanks

Steve

Jul 23, 2012 | 05:48 PM

teardropty

Posting Guru

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 1,057

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From: Kalamazoo MI

There is a rubber and bushing in the shifter arms that get worn. Mid-50 sells a kit to replace the rubbers/bushing for about $25. That fixes a lot.

Jul 23, 2012 | 05:58 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

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From: NM

Here's the whole scoop: http://www.flatheadv8.org/columnshift.pdf

Jul 23, 2012 | 06:55 PM

Brother F

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Joined: Jul 2012

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From: Connecticut

I don't think the play is in the levers. I can move the shifter about two inches before it engages the levers. Is there something on the steering column itself that wears?

Jul 23, 2012 | 07:59 PM

turnrjr

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 892

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From: Western Massachusetts

Brother
I can vouch for Ross's fix. It will bring the feel back to "like new". I did my own with a hacksaw, lathe, drill press, MIG welder, grinder and a file. The tricky part is getting the cross drilled hole positioned exactly right in both directions.